Milwaukee police retrieve flag burned at GOP debate protest

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee's police chief says he's proud of officers who were seen on video extinguishing an American flag set on fire by a protester and respectfully folding it outside the Republican presidential debate.

Photos and video of Tuesday night's incident quickly spread on social media. They show officers extinguishing the burning flag near the Milwaukee Theatre and then ceremonially folding the slightly burned flag.

Police Chief Edward Flynn said Wednesday that his officers are responsible for protecting the protesters' rights, but also "to take a treasured symbol of our national unity and freedom and treat it respectfully."

Flynn says the protester has been identified but hasn't been cited. He says prosecutors will decide if charges are merited.

The GOP debate drew hundreds of protesters in an otherwise peaceful rally and march.